In 1942, Christopher Columbus arrived in the Bahamas and it was said that he had marveled at the ethereal shores of the islands. "The beauty of these islands surpasses that of any other as much as the day surpasses the night in splendor," he wrote in his journal. Today, that timeless charm continues to enchant visitors, with sands gleaming like scattered diamonds, coral reefs, and the mesmerizing storied shipwrecks.

Sailing through this chain of over 700 coral-fringed islands, the cruising grounds of the Bahamian archipelago offer a classic, high-end Caribbean charter experience. Conveniently close to the U.S. mainland and Florida's transport hubs, the journey to the Bahamas is effortlessly accessible. However, since the islands of the Bahamas are celebrated for their shallow waters, chartering a shallow draft yacht, such as a catamaran, provides the perfect means to glide into hidden coves and intimate enclaves in the area. Nevertheless, with an experienced captain at the helm, even deeper channels can be expertly navigated.

Less than 50 miles from Florida, the North Bahamas—including the Bimini Islands, Grand Bahama Island, Moore's Island, and the Abaco Islands—provide an inviting start to any charter. These islands offer a mix of high-energy excitement. The North Bahamas promises days of island-hopping, from glamorous casinos and world-class golf courses to remote anchorages.

Located north of Biminis, Grand Bahama Island is ideal for those who want a perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. Beachgoers, paddleboarders, and snorkelers can always find something thrilling to do in the lively villages of Lucaya and Freeport, where the streets are always packed with festivals and colorful parades accompanied by the pounding of Bahamian drums. Meanwhile, the eastern coast of Grand Bahama is home to an extensive underwater system that makes it a favorite diving spot.

While many of the most popular destinations are within reach, the most extraordinary islands for a charter vacation lie further into the heart of the archipelago. Some of the best yachting itineraries take you down the Exumas and beyond to the Out Islands—the untouched side of the Bahamas that doesn't make it into guidebooks or glossy brochures.This includes Rum Cay, San Salvador, Acklins and Crooked Island, Mayaguana, and Inagua. You won't find crowds of tourists or bustling marinas here, only the quiet beauty of nature and the genuine warmth of local life.

The Bahamas offers natural beauty and a storied history that captivates all who visit. Home to wonders like Dean's Blue Hole, the world's second-deepest underwater sinkhole that draws divers to explore its secrets beneath the surface. To the same waters that hold echoes of a more dramatic past on the surface, when the islands were a legendary haven for pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack during the 17th and 18th centuries. Now, it's your turn to write your story in this captivating water on board your superyacht. View all available yacht charters in the Bahamas.